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A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

Newsmakers

Sidni and David Weglarz

Raise a glass: StilL 630 wins best craft whiskey in the U.S.—again

Published June 18, 2025

StilL 630 Distillery has once again claimed top honors on the national stage. The St. Louis-based distillery was crowned Best Craft Whiskey in the U.S. by the American Craft Spirits Association—marking the third time owners Sidni and David Weglarz have...

Rachel and Jay Closson

Meet the couple behind Sylvie Dee’s sweet expansion to City Foundry

Published June 18, 2025

Owners Rachel and Jay Closson have opened a second location of Sylvie Dee’s in City Foundry STL. Located in the breezeway of the food hall, the shop serves ice cream, coffee, sweet treats and old-fashioned sodas. The first shop is located in Webster...

David Smith

From pre-med to papa ozo: David Smith leads future staff at Herzl

Published June 18, 2025

This summer David Smith is the Herzl Camp papa ozo. He is responsible for planning and facilitating an eight-week program, preparing high school senior ozos (assistants) to be full camp staff members. Smith is a rising senior at the University of...

Demi Fine

From classroom to camp: Demi Fine returns to Herzl for the summer

Published June 18, 2025

Former St. Louisan Demi Fine is the seasonal assistant director of Herzl Camp this summer. She supports camper and staff experiences, Family Camp, and helps coordinate scheduling and logistics throughout the summer. During the school year, Fine is...

Bryn Sentnor

Standing out in Shakespeare: Sentnor wins comedy performance award

Published June 18, 2025

Bryn Sentnor received an Arts for Life Theatre Mask Award for outstanding performance by a supporting actress in a comedy. She was in “Twelfth Night” with the Clayton Community Theater. Sentnor is a member of CRC.

Rabbi Jordan Gerson

New role, new region: Rabbi Gerson heads south for next chapter

Published June 18, 2025

Rabbi Jordan Gerson, formerly the Silk Foundation campus rabbi - chief experience officer at Hillel at Washington University, is the new executive director of Central Florida Hillel. This Hillel serves campuses across the greater Orlando area. Gerson...

Rick Spector

New chapter at L3: Spector steps up as president

Published June 18, 2025

Rick Spector was promoted to president of L3 Corporation, a retail commercial brokerage firm. He replaced the firm’s founder, Craig Wielansky, who became chairman. As president, Spector will lead the team focusing on growth through acquisitions,...

Tom and Jennifer Hillman

Philanthropy with purpose: Hillmans honored with Brown School’s top award

Published June 17, 2025

Jennifer and Tom Hillman received the Dean’s Medal Award at the Brown School of Washington University 100th anniversary celebration. The Dean’s Medal is presented to exceptional friends of the Brown School whose partnership and unwavering support...

NCJWSTL wins national award for Amendment 3 campaign

NCJWSTL wins national award for Amendment 3 campaign

Published June 16, 2025

National Council Jewish Women-St. Louis was named the recipient of the 2025 NCJW Rising Tide Campaign of the Year Award for its pivotal role in restoring abortion rights in Missouri through the passage of Amendment 3. The campaign was led by past section...

Val Toskin and Shannon Rohlman

New roles, same heart: Mirowitz leaders step into next chapter

Published June 15, 2025

Beginning this summer, Val Toskin and Shannon Rohlman will assume new administrative positions at the Saul Mirowitz Community Jewish School. Toskin will serve as the assistant head of school for Jewish Life and Learning. She will continue her responsibilities...

Beth Higdon

Goodbye VHS, hello cloud: Her new Chesterfield biz rescues your home videos

Published June 12, 2025

Beth Higdon’s new business is Transfer Your Treasures. Her local service transfers priceless memories from old media such as VHS, Mini DV, hi8, DVD, slides and photos into digital files. A pickup service is available, or clients can drop off in Chesterfield....

Jordan Mandel

His new WashU role links donors to student life

Published June 11, 2025

Jordan Mandel has joined the Office of Parent and Student Initiatives at Washington University as the senior stewardship officer. He is responsible for showcasing how donors enhance student college experiences in non-academic areas such as student affairs...

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